Columbus, OH – In a stunning act of generosity that has caught the attention of sports fans and civic leaders alike, Ohio State Buckeyes Football Head Coach Ryan Day has made headlines by donating a staggering $4.2 million to aid homeless communities and support mental health services across the Columbus area.
The donation, announced Wednesday morning during a press conference at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, was described as one of the largest personal contributions from a college football coach in recent memory. Day, who has led the Buckeyes since 2019 and become a beloved figure in Ohio sports, said the gesture came from a “deep sense of responsibility to the community that has given me and my family so much.”
“This is about more than football,” Day told reporters. “This is about people who are hurting, people who are often invisible. If we have the power to change lives, even just a few, then we have the responsibility to act.”
The $4.2 million donation will be split across multiple organizations and initiatives. According to a press release from the Ryan and Nina Day Foundation, key beneficiaries include the Community Shelter Board, Southeast Healthcare, Star House, and a new pilot program aimed at expanding youth mental health outreach in public schools. Additionally, part of the funds will go toward transitional housing projects and job readiness programs for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Mayor Andrew Ginther praised Day’s contribution, calling it “a transformational gift” and a call to action for others in leadership roles. “Coach Day has set a new standard, not just in athletics but in what it means to be a leader in Columbus,” Ginther said. “This donation will provide critical support for our city’s most vulnerable, and it couldn’t come at a more urgent time.”
The news comes amid rising concerns about homelessness and mental health issues in Columbus and across the country. Recent city data shows that the homeless population in the area has increased by nearly 15% since 2021, exacerbated by economic fallout from the pandemic, lack of affordable housing, and underfunded mental health services.
Mental health has long been a personal cause for Day, whose father died by suicide when he was just nine years old. In recent years, he and his wife Nina have become outspoken advocates for mental health awareness, particularly among young people and athletes. The Days previously donated $1 million to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in 2020 to support pediatric mental health initiatives.
“This isn’t a one-time gesture,” Nina Day emphasized during the announcement. “This is a continuation of the work we’ve committed our lives to. Mental health isn’t something you can treat like a side issue. It affects every part of life, from family stability to performance in school and beyond.”
Players and staff from the Ohio State football team have also expressed support and admiration for their coach. Quarterback Devin Brown
said Day’s actions “speak louder than any championship.” “Coach always tells us to be men of character and to give back. This is him showing us exactly what that looks like.”
The donation has sparked praise across social media, with fans and commentators calling Day’s gesture both “unprecedented” and “inspirational.” Sports analyst Paul Finebaum tweeted, “In a profession often focused on wins and salaries, Ryan Day just reminded us what true leadership looks like.”
Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter also released a statement applauding Day’s “extraordinary compassion and commitment to the people of Ohio.” “Coach Day exemplifies the values of this university—integrity, service, and excellence. His generosity will resonate far beyond the football field.”
As the Buckeyes prepare for their fall season, this off-the-field moment has become one of the most talked-about headlines in college sports. But for Day, the spotlight is secondary to the impact.
“This community has always supported me,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to support the community.”
With this monumental gift, Ryan Day has not only extended a lifeline to hundreds of struggling individuals but also elevated the conversation around homelessness and mental health to the national stage—reminding everyone that leadership is about more than just the scoreboard.
